RELATED APPLICATION
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of beverage container openers
and more particularly is directed to a multi-purpose opener for such purposes.
[0003] This disclosure relates to devices that aid in the lifting of container lid tabs,
and particularly to such devices that are easy and convenient to use by persons. More
particularly, this disclosure relates to metal can lid lifting devices designed to
facilitate prying open metal can lid lift tabs.
[0004] Metal beverage container cans have pop top or pull ring can openers. Such pop top
or pull ring can openers normally comprise a scored closure formed directly atop the
lid of the metal container and a pull ring hinged, riveted, or otherwise suitably
secured to the scored closure.
[0005] The effort required to raise the tab handle can often intimidate some users of the
can opening system and can injure the fingers or fingernails of the user. In a commercial
establishment where a plurality of containers must be opened quickly under sometimes
unfavorable conditions, considerable discomfort, breakage of fingernails, and bleeding
can be encountered by the individuals who are manipulating hundreds of the closures
during the course of a work day.
[0006] A number of tools exist for opening pull ring cans, twist-off bottle caps, and crimped-on
bottle caps. Many of the tools feature a combination of these types of openers embodied
in one tool. However, various compromises are present. In many of the multiple-purpose
tools various implements disposed on the opener are placed for reasons of manufacturing
expediency, and not to enhance the operation or comfort of the opener in the hand
of the user.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a compact, easy-to-use opener
for lifting container lid tabs, and providing other functions associated with opening
beverage containers.
SUMMARY
[0008] The disclosure comprises a multi-purpose beverage container opener for lifting container
lid lift tabs and opening bottle caps. The opener comprises a thin, relatively elongated
and narrow body with two opposite ends. The body is suitable for holding in and by
a user's thumb and fingers; the body having a front edge at one end. Between the two
ends and connecting sides there are opposite top and bottom parallel surfaces.
[0009] The narrow body is arcuate or bowed between its two ends. The front edge includes
a beveled surface that extends rearwardly at an acute angle to form the beveled surface
with respect to at least one of the top or the bottom surfaces whereby the opener
may be slipped under a container lid tab.
[0010] There is a bottle opener aperture between the surfaces such that a crown cork cap
can be pried from the top of a bottle. There is also a ring aperture for engaging
a covering of a beverage container neck or top to permit the aperture to cut the covering
to facilitate removal of at least part of the covering.
[0011] The multi-purpose beverage container opener is provided for containers of the type
having a stay-on tab, and a crimped-on bottle cap.
[0012] The tab engagement loop is formed as an outward radial shape. An ring aperture is
formed at an opposite end and is adapted to fit on a beverage container lid or covering.
[0013] An ergonomically-shaped opener is bowed between the ends such that in the elongated
body is bowed form end to end.
[0014] The multi-purpose opener further comprises a waist on the side walls between the
ends and this provides an ergonomically-shaped opener which extends transversely with
respect to the ends of the elongated-shaped handle and for fitting within the user's
grasp.
[0015] The stay-on tab opener and a pry-type beverage bottle opener are disposed at one
end of the elongated body of the beverage container opener. The ring aperture, which
is ergonomically-shaped is disposed at an opposing end of the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will become more apparent
with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan top view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan bottom view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an opposite side view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an end view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an opposite end view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a under perspective view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener;
[0025] FIG. 9A is a side view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener located in
one mode to pry off a cap showing the increased leverage obtained by the bowed structure;
[0026] FIG. 9B is a side view of a prior art generic opener located in one mode to pry off
a cap showing the limited leverage obtained by the flat structure;
[0027] FIG. 10A is a side view of the multi-purpose beverage container opener located in
one mode to pry off a cap showing the increased leverage obtained by the bowed structure;
[0028] FIG. 10B is a side view of a prior art generic opener located in one mode to pry
off a cap showing the limited leverage obtained by the flat structure.
[0029] Figs. 11A and 11B show, respectively, a side view and a front view of another embodiment
of the bar tool;
[0030] Figs. 12A and 12B show, respectively, a side view and a front view of a further embodiment
of the bar tool;
[0031] Figs. 13A and 13B show, respectively, a side view and a front view of yet a further
embodiment of the bar tool; and
[0032] Figs. 14A and 14B show, respectively, a side view and a front view of still a further
embodiment of the bar tool.
DESCRIPTION
[0033] Similar numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all view of the drawings.
[0034] A multi-purpose beverage container opener for lifting container lid lift tabs and
opening bottle caps comprises a thin, relatively elongated and narrow body with two
opposite ends.
[0035] The body is suitable for holding in a user's thumb and fingers, and the body has
a front edge at one end and top and bottom parallel surfaces. The narrow body is arcuate
or bowed between its two ends. The front edge includes a beveled surface that extends
rearwardly at an acute angle with respect to at least one of the top or the bottom
surfaces whereby the opener may be slipped under a container lid tab with the beveled
surface.
[0036] There is a bottle opener aperture with the surfaces such that a crown cork cap can
be pried from the top of a bottle. There is also a ring aperture for engaging a covering
of a beverage container neck or top to permit the aperture to cut the covering to
facilitate removal of at least part of the covering. The ring aperture may include
a beveled edge for facilitating removal of a covering.
[0037] The body includes between its two ends a waist, the waist width being of narrower
dimension than the width at the ends. The opener includes further apertures spaced
in the surface between the ends. The opener also includes a bottle opener located
towards one end and the ring aperture is located towards the opposite end.
[0038] The opener ends are rounded with respective outwardly directed radii and the interfaces
of the ends and the side walls is relatively smooth without sharp corners such that
the substantially entire outer periphery is curved.
[0039] The beverage container opener for lifting container lid lift tabs and opening bottle
caps comprises a thin, relatively elongated and narrow body with two opposite ends,
the body having a front edge at one end and top and bottom parallel surfaces, the
narrow body being arcuate or bowed between its two ends. The front edge has a beveled
surface that extends rearwardly whereby the opener may be slipped under a container
lid tab with the beveled surface; and a bottle opener aperture with the surfaces such
that a cap can be pried from the top of a bottle. The body includes between its two
ends a waist, the waist width being of narrower dimension than the width at the ends.
The end surfaces of the body define a periphery, and the corners of the opener at
the periphery are rounded with respective outwardly directed radii and the interfaces
of the ends and the side walls is relatively smooth without sharp corners such that
the substantially entire outer periphery is curved. The cap opener aperture is located
towards one end, the cap opener being located adjacent the beveled edge end; and the
beveled edge in the front extends to at least one side wall, and preferably both side
walls, of the body. The planar material is substantially flat and smooth over its
entire surface on both sides and the body is an integrated single piece unitary device.
The prying interface edge, the can opener aperture and the ring aperture are the only
interruptions in the smooth surfaces.
[0040] The multi-purpose beverage container opener comprises a thin, rectangular body 10
having a front edge 12, a rear edge 14, side edges 16 and 18, a top surface 20 and
a bottom surface 22. The front edge 12 is provided with a beveled upper surface edge
26, and a lower surface edge 28. The beveled interfaces 26 and 28 provide a container
lid tab-contacting surface and the beveled edges that slope at an acute angle with
respect to the main area of surfaces 20 and 22. The beveled surface edges 26 and 28
provides a thin lip interface so that the front edge is thinnest at the leading front
end 12.
[0041] The beveled side edges 28 and 30 are shaped so as to eliminate sharp edges at the
edge 12 and 14 respectively. The slope angle of surface 26 is about 30 degrees, with
a range of about 25 degrees. to 45 degrees. being suitable. The concavity is sloped
rearwardly about 15 degrees with a range of about 10 degrees to 25 degrees being suitable.
[0042] The shape of the front edge 12 enables the front edge 12 to be slipped underneath
a container lid tab. When the opener is applied to the surface of the can lid, the
beveled surface 26 and 28 will be oriented substantially parallel to the lid surface.
The opener can be pivoted upward, in a prying manner with the front edge 12 resting
on the lid surface underneath the lid tab, resulting in the raising of the tab's outer
ring end upward.
[0043] The elongated body has a curved shape when considered in plan from the top and the
bottom, and is such that the width of the ends adjacent to the edges 12 and 14 are
wider than the waist. The waist is located more or less centrally between the edges
12 and 14. The front edge 12 and the rear edge 14, are curved with a radius or parabolic
curve or blends smoothly with the side walls 16 and 18 so that the overall shape is
curvaceous.
[0044] The between the surfaces 20 and 22 the opener includes two apertures 30 and 32 respectively.
The aperture 30 is an opener for pry-type bottle crimp-on bottle caps. The aperture
32 is for receiving a cover cap for beverage container, for instance the lead sleeve
over wine bottles. Aperture 30 has at least one, and alternatively two edges 34 and
36 which are beveled from the respective surfaces 20 and 22 to a sharpened end to
fit under a cap to be pried from the top of a beverage container. The beveling extends
around the radius so that it is also partly down the side walls 16 and 18 of the opener.
The ring aperture is circular and can have a sharpened beveled edge 38 or this edge
or the interface edge can be partly blunted.
[0045] The opener is ergonomically-shaped and can be manually grasped by the user. In the
operation of the stay-on tab opener, the opener is grasped between the thumb and fingers
of the user. The ring aperture 32 is disposed at the end opposite to the end where
the pry bottle opener aperture 30 is located. The opener 30 is displaced inwardly
from the edges of the body.
[0046] The portion 12 of the elongated body of the opener 10 which locates the pry bottle
opener aperture 30 and locates the ring aperture 32 in alignment with the major width
dimension of the body. The ergonomically-shaped opener handle which extends in a bowed
configuration between the edges 12 and 14. The bowing permits for easy lifting from
a surface.
[0047] The pry-type beverage bottle opener aperture 30 is for removing the crimped-on beverage
container cap of a glass beverage container bottle. Such bottle openers comprise an
edge 34 or 36 for engaging the beverage container cap and a pry bar for prying up
the edge of the cap and removing the same.
[0048] The elongated planar body of the multiple-use beverage container opener is easily
grasped within the palm and fingers of the user with any stress from the opener evenly
distributed over a wide surface area to ensure the safety and comfort of the user.
[0049] The opener is formed from sheet steel with stamping and coining steps. The opener
may be formed from other materials, such as a polymeric material, with other steps,
such as a molding step. An intermediate step in the manufacture of the opener 10 from
a malleable metal material such as steel is illustrated. In this case, the malleable
metal blank is stamped, cut, or otherwise suitably formed from sheet metal stock with
apertures disposed for defining the pry-bar-type opener and the ring aperture respectively.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 9A the multi-purpose beverage container opener 10 is located in
one mode to pry off a cap 100 from a bottle 101. This shows the increased leverage
obtained by the bowed structure. Comparatively, in FIG. 9B there is a prior art generic
opener 102 located in one mode to pry off a cap 100 showing the limited leverage obtained
by the flat structure. FIG. 10A is a different use of the multi-purpose beverage container
opener 10 located in another pry off mode on a cap 100 showing the increased leverage
obtained by the bowed structure. FIG. 10B is a prior art generic opener 102 located
in the pry off a cap 100 showing the limited leverage obtained by the flat structure.
[0051] Referring to Figs 11-14 of the drawings, variations of the bar tool 10 are shown.
With reference to the previous drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts
unless otherwise specified. In the variation shown Figs. 11A and 11B of the drawings,
the spinner ring 36 has a coloured liner or insert 44 of an elastomeric material.
[0052] In the variation shown in Figs 12A and 12B of the drawings, a major part of the body
member 12, from the end 16 of the body member 12 is coated or covered with a covering
layer 46 which also covers side edges of the body member 12. The covering layer 46
is of an elastomeric or rubberised material and facilitates gripping of the bar tool
10 by a user such as a bartender. This aids in use of the bar tool 10 when liquids
are present. In this embodiment, the covering layer 46 surrounds and lines the spinner
ring 36 as well. If desired, a promotional logo (not shown) can be included, either
on the covering layer 46 or on the body member 12, itself.
[0053] In the variation shown in Figs 13A and 13B of the drawings, the covering layer 46
extends only on opposed sides of the body member 12 from the spinner ring slightly
less than halfway along the length of the body member 12 to provide a gripping surface
for use by a person handling the bar tool 10. The side edges of the body member 12
remain uncovered. A recessed zone 48 is provided in which a logo of a company or other
organisation can be embossed.
[0054] Finally, referring to the variation shown in Figs 14A and 14B of the drawings, the
covering layer 46 extends only along the side edges of the body member 12 and is ribbed
to provide individual raised formations 50 which can be gripped by a user's hand,
once again securely to hold the bar tool 10 and inhibit slippage when the bar tool
10 is being used in the presence of liquids. A separate liner 44 lines the spinner
ring 36.
[0055] In the case of all of the variations described above with reference to Figs. 11-14,
the coloured liner or insert 44 and/or the covering layer 46 can be of the same colour
as the trade mark colours of a particular company or organisation, such as, for example,
a brewery. This enables the bar tool 10 to be used as a promotional item.
[0056] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above with reference to Figs
11-14 only show some variations of covering layers 46 and liners 44 for the spinner
ring 36. Numerous other shapes and configurations of liners 44 and covering layers
46 could be employed on the body member 12 of the bar tool 10.
[0057] It is a particular advantage of the disclosed embodiments that a bar tool 10 is provided
which is ergonomically improved in comparison with other bar tools performing a similar
function. In particular, the provision of the shaped, sharpened edge 20 facilitates
use of the bar tool 10 in opening a large quantities of beverage cans 42. Further,
the bowed or curved shape of the body member 12 facilitates the removal of bottle
tops 28 from bottles 30 with less energy being required to do so. Also, the waisted
shape of the body member 12 makes it more comfortable for a user to hold and use the
bar tool 10.
[0058] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or
modifications may be made to the disclosure as shown in the specific embodiments without
departing from the scope of the disclosure as broadly described. The present embodiments
are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
[0059] The opener can be fabricated of molded plastic having a suitable formulation that
will render the opener sufficiently stiff for the purpose intended. It may also be
fabrication from any other suitably stiff material. The opener conveniently has a
length of about 2.5 in., a width of about 0.75 in. and a thickness of about 1/8 in.
The sloped surface 26 and 28 have a length (front-to-back) of about 3/16 in. and the
beveled side edges 28, 30 have a length of about 1/16 in.
[0060] While the present disclosure has been disclosed with reference to particular details
of construction, these should be understood as having been provided by way of example
and not as limitations to the scope or spirit of the disclosure. In particular, the
precise cross sectional shape of the elongated member 10 can be varied. The external
configuration may be determined by any number of factors both aesthetic and functional.
The centrally narrower or thinner art of the body facilitates the operation of the
tool. The shape of the apertures may be varied. The ring aperture also permits a user
to place finger or thumb in the tool as needed and the shape and outline of the edge
can be varied.
[0061] It will be understood that the shape of the exterior of the elongated member 10 may
be regular, smooth or irregular in cross section, square, or otherwise curved or straight.
[0062] The waist between the ends can be of different degrees or shapes of inward pinching,
to facilitate different sizes of hands, fingers and anatomical characteristics of
a user and the tool itself.
[0063] It will also be understood that the size, shape, number and even presence of extending
projections on the underside of the head represent design choices over which there
is a wide range of latitude. There can be various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded
the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar
structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following
claims.
1. A multi-purpose beverage container opener for lifting container lid lift tabs and
opening bottle caps which comprises a thin, relatively elongated and narrow body with
two opposite ends, the body being suitable for holding in a user's thumb and fingers;
the body having a front edge at one end and top and bottom parallel surfaces, the
narrow body being arcuate or bowed between its two ends; the front edge having a beveled
surface that extends rearwardly at an acute angle with respect to at least one of
the top or the bottom surfaces whereby the opener may be slipped under a container
lid tab with the beveled surface; a bottle opener aperture with the surfaces such
that a cap can be pried from the top of a bottle; and a ring aperture for engaging
a covering of a beverage container neck or top to permit the aperture to cut the covering
to facilitate removal of at least part of the covering.
2. The opener of claim 1 wherein the body included between its two ends a waist, the
waist width being of narrower dimension than the width at the ends.
3. The opener as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the cap opener aperture is located towards
one end and the ring aperture is located towards the opposite end of the body, the
cap opener preferably being located adjacent the beveled edge end.
4. The opener of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the beveled edge in the front extends to at
least one side wall, and preferably both side walls, of the body
5. The opener of claim 1 to 4 including further apertures spaced in the surface between
the ends.
6. The opener of claim 1 to 5 wherein the bottle opener is located towards one end and
the ring aperture is located towards the opposite end.
7. The opener of claim 1 to 6 wherein the ring aperture includes a beveled edge for facilitating
removal of a covering.
8. The opener of claim 1 to 7 wherein the end surfaces of the body define a periphery,
and the corners of the opener at the periphery are rounded with respective outwardly
directed radii and the interfaces of the ends and the side walls is relatively smooth
without sharp corners such that the substantially entire outer periphery is curved.
9. The opener of any one of the claims 1 to 8 wherein the end surfaces of the body define
a periphery, and wherein the beveled edge in the front extends to at least one side
wall, and preferably both side walls, of the body.
10. The opener of claim 1 to 9 wherein the planar material is substantially flat and smooth
over its entire surface on both sides and the body is an integrated single piece unitary
device.